Buying a Home This Summer? Use These Four Tips to Uncover Hidden Flaws and Issues

In a hot market it’s easy to be blinded by the competition and succumb to the pressure to make an offer on a home before you’ve adequately assessed it. If you’re looking to buy a home this summer, use these four tips to uncover hidden flaws before you put your offer in.

1) Hire A Pro

One of the most reliable ways to identify potential and existing problems within a property is to hire a professional home inspector to evaluate it. Home inspectors are trained to find issues that the average person may overlook, which can save you from putting in an offer on a money pit.

2) Do It Yourself

If you can’t afford to hire a home inspector, conduct a thorough home evaluation yourself. Ensure that the roof doesn’t have any significant damage or leaks, check window caulking for holes, and scan the basement thoroughly for asbestos and black mold.

Within the house, pay special attention to the bathrooms for leaks around the tubs, showers, and toilets, as this may indicate leaky pipes which can be a costly fix. Likewise, check underneath the kitchen sink and around appliances for leaks, which may also be a sign of a more expensive fix.

Even if you’ve hired a home inspector, always inspect the home yourself to the best of your ability. The more sets of eyes that look over the property the better, and you may find small problems that aren’t considered huge deficiencies to an inspector but may be deal breakers for you, such as peeling paint or cracked tile.

3) Seek Strata Minutes

If the home you are looking at is a condo, ask for copies of the strata minutes. Strata minutes serve as a record of any past issues that the building has had and will include notes on any upcoming costs that are already identified. Take these into consideration when estimating your condo fees and the value of the property.

4) Hire Help

Real estate agents can not only take a lot off of your plate when it comes to buying a home, but they also possess specialized knowledge and experience in uncovering flaws in homes. They know what to look for!

A real estate agent will take care of the property research for you, sifting through past strata notes or pointing out any deficiencies that they can identify when you are considering a home. With a trained professional on your team, you are more likely to find issues that could devalue the property.

Ready to find a home that’s fit for you? Get in contact with me today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

4245 S 247th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,694 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765716

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning former model home is move in ready with updated flooring and fresh paint throughout. Situated in the serene neighborhood of Rancho Vista. Offering 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a 3-car garage and backyard oasis perfect for Arizona outdoor living. Step inside and be greeted by the separate formal living and dining area. Continue into the heart of the home, the stunning gourmet kitchen with all new cabinets, boasting expansive granite countertops and backsplash. Enjoy the seamlessly connected kitchen, dining room and family room. Downstairs, you'll also find a large laundry room, a guest bedroom and fully remodeled bathroom. Venture outside through double doors and discover your own private oasis, where meticulously designed landscaping sets the stage for relaxation and entertainment. Enjoy the low-maintenance artificial turf, a 40ft covered patio with mist system, a soothing waterfall, built-in firepit with seating and a relaxing hot tub. Upstairs, a spacious loft with built- ins ads additional entertainment space. You'll also find three secondary bedrooms and remodeled full bath. Retreat to the expansive owner's suite through double doors, where a soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, double sinks, and a large custom walk-in closet await. Welcome Home!

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16222 N 161st Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Cul de sac home, updated from top to bottom, including the heated pool. On top of that, an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven! Backyard paradise with fruit trees, grape vines, hydroponic system and huge covered patio. Sunny kitchen eat-in kitchen is open to family/great room and has beautiful granite counters, island, an added coffee bar, lots of cabinets, counter space and pantry. Large living/dining room with flex space, a guest bedroom, full bath and laundry room round out the lower level. Upstairs, a large primary suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, separate tub and shower. Two ample bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath. Solar system with low monthly loan payment means low energy costs overall. Close to great shopping, dining, spring training and Loop 303. This home has everything!

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560 S 197th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence combines rustic charm with modern luxury. With captivating beamed ceilings and breathtaking mountain views, you'll experience tranquility just minutes from major retail areas. The four well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests, each with large windows that let in plenty of light The spacious gourmet kitchen features a high-end gas range and elegant tile floors. Cozy evenings await in the living room, where large windows flood the space with natural light. This home offers a paid off solar system and great savings. Step outside to a covered patio perfect for entertaining, complete with a gas fire pit for cozy nights. Golf enthusiasts will love the three mini putting greens.

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4107 S 109th Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,649 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see large single story, Next Gen home! Versatile floor plan has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Three car garage. Attached casita for varies uses, this home is only a year old, beautiful home inside and out with many modern amenities. This home is conveniently located near schools, stores, shopping, gas stations, restaurants, highways and much more. Open concept floor plan with oversized master suite and split bedrooms for individual privacy.

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11352 E Starkey Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,234 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769404

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 3 bedroom home presents wonderful curb appeal with paver walkway and meticulous landscaping and 2 car garage. Front room offers a formal living room and a seating area for relaxing. Great room layout encompasses the family room with gas fireplace, kitchen and dining area. Open chef's kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, pantry, tons of cabinet/counter space and a breakfast bar. Escape to the master suite featuring large window seat and walk-in close. Spa like master bathroom boasts dual vanities, large garden tub, tiled walk-in shower with a seat and a second walk-in closet. Step out back onto the extended covered, paver patio to enjoy the beautiful, tropical-like backyard featuring artificial grass and lush landscaping providing extra shade. A true oasis!

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5341 E Sheena Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,836 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782334

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming Corner Lot with Endless Potential - Needs TLC and Finishing Touches! This oversized corner lot ranch-style home is full of charm and potential! No HOA, RV parking, and North/South exposure! Featuring 3 beds, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage, it offers a unique layout with a spacious family room, arched accents, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a mix of carpet and tile flooring. The master bedroom includes a full bath, while the kitchen is fully equipped with an electric range/oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The backyard is an oasis with a sparkling pool, covered patio, and mature fruit trees. Though partially remodeled, this home requires some repairs and updates, making it an ideal opportunity to add value and personal touches.

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18429 W Robin Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774539

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bed + den, 2.5 bath RV GARAGE home in Surprise's North Copper Canyon. The original owners upgraded just about everything, including extending the attached RV garage to 48 FEET! The designer kitchen includes upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an apron sink, a giant island with loads of storage, and a walk-in pantry! Wood-look tile floors flow throughout the open floor plan, with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The primary bathroom includes double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. RV garage is 48 feet long, 14' Tall Front door and includes a 10' garage door leading to the backyard. There is also an RV gate for additional toy parking! The backyard has a gorgeous fully covered pergola with cafe lights perfect for entertaining!

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2978 Glenview Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774663

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a beautifully remodeled home in Winterhaven that is totally handicap accessible to include zero entry, pocket doors, special shower with seat and high toilet, and tile floors throughout the home. The completely remodeled kitchen includes a counter with sink that raises and lowers by motor and makes the perfect prep station. You'll find all new tile floors, new windows, remodeled kitchen custom cherry cabinets and granite counters, along with high end appliances, automated window coverings, new HVAC, water treatment system, new tile roof and owned solar system. There's a water feature out back along with a covered patio, built in grill, astroturf for the puppies to play, established landscaping and an awesome view of both the golf course and Huachuca Mtns. This is a Beauty!

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18627 E Superstition Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,913 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779260

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this delightful 4 bed/ 2 bath home in the beautiful community of Cortina just around the corner from the community park & Cortina elementary school! This home offers a spacious floor-plan with a formal living/dining room, tile and vinyl floors in all the right places, neutral custom paint, & window shutters. The kitchen is spacious & features Corian counters, Island & pantry. The master bedroom boasts a large retreat along with a remodeled en-suite that includes separate tub & shower, dual sinks, private toilet room & walk in closet! Love entertaining? The backyard is perfect for just that! Relax under the extended patio & enjoy relaxing in the low maintenance backyard! Community boasts a children's playground and large pool/spa and clubhouse for family entertainment!

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2349 W Del Campo Circle Mesa, AZ 85202

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,586 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very nice home, Includes 3 bedrooms plus a small room and 2 bathrooms, current owner has kept this home in a very good shape, Master bedrooms has an addition. Lots of kitchen cabinets, tile flooring through out, a big grassed back yard perfect for entertaining, 2 car garage, RV gate, with a RV parking place. Close to City of Tempe, I-101, I-202 & I-60 freeways, ASU and restaurants.

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2303 S 337th Avenue Tonopah, AZ 85354

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming Soon! A stunning, to-be-built home awaits! This brand-new 4 bed, 3 bath residence features not one but two master bedrooms and comes complete with an RV garage . Set on over an acre of horse property, this split-floor plan gem offers a perfect blend of modern upgrades and convenience, all just 7 minutes from the freeway. NO HOA.

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11002 W Holly Street Avondale, AZ 85392

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,569 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777931

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL TRI-LEVEL HOME IN CRYSTAL GARDENS! THIS HOMES MAIN LEVEL FEATURES LIVING/DINING ROOM * LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND, PANTRY,UPGRADED CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS AND BACK SPLASH, INSET LIGHTING. THE KITCHEN OVERLOOKS THE FAMILY ROOM. LOWER LEVEL HAS POWDER ROOM, LAUNDRY ROOM WITH CABINETS AND EXIT TO 3 CAR GARAGE PLUS A WATER SOFTENER. UPPER LEVEL HAS LAMINATE FLOORS THROUGHOUT. THE PRIMARY SUITE HAS A SEPARATE SHOWER AND TUB, DOUBLE SINKS, PRIVATE TOILET ROOM, WALK IN CLOSET WITH BUILT IN CLOSET ORGANIZER. THE HUGE BACKYARD IS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING WITH MATURE LANDSCAPING GAZEBO, SPARKLING POOL, SPORT COURT, RV GATE AND MUCH MUCH MORE! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS HOME TO APPRECIATE ! MOVE IN READY! TOO MANY UPGRADES TO MENTION.

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